How to Hunt Bobcats

Some hunters go after bobcats because their pelts make fine trophies. Other hunters kill them to protect small game populations and pets. Bobcats are hunted using calls to draw them in or dogs to track them. Either way, hunting bobcats is a challenge and, when successful, a thrill.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Identify a hunting location that has a bobcats. Ask local hunters, outfitters and landowners to find out about bobcat populations.
2. Choose your method of hunting. If you have a trained hound, hunting with dogs is effective. If not, or if you are up for the additional challenge, try hunting with a distressed animal call.
3. Search for tracks and droppings as evidence of recent bobcat activity.
4. Begin the hunt. If you are hunting with dogs, this is when you release them onto the trail. For call hunting, find a place where you can remain motionless and begin making distressed animal calls.
5. Take aim and fire. Hound hunters have it easy if their dog properly treed the cat. If you are calling, you must remain completely still until the bobcat comes within shooting range.
6. Prepare the pelt right away if you plan on selling or mounting it. In some states you will have to attach a tag to the pelt to identify that it was taken legally.

Tips & Warnings

• Calling is more effective when temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit because bobcats need to eat more to stay warm.
• Bobcats can also be trapped.
• Using a gun that is too powerful can damage the pelt.